Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday announced that about 65,000 out-of-school children have been reintegrated into classrooms across the state.

Governor Makinde made this disclosure while receiving a delegation from the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) on a courtesy visit at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The delegation was on an implementation support mission for the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) programme.

According to the governor, Oyo State has significantly benefited from the BESDA-AF intervention, which has strengthened the education sector and expanded access to quality learning.

He expressed gratitude to the World Bank and UBEC for their support, assuring that his administration would continue to provide the necessary resources to ensure the state fully accesses allocated funds under the programme’s new cycle.

Makinde said, “The government and people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and UBEC for considering our state worthy of this initiative. We look forward to your field visits tomorrow and welcome your feedback on areas requiring improvement. Any recommendations you provide will be treated with utmost seriousness.”

Earlier, Mr. Mayowa Aleshin, National Programme Coordinator for UBEC, stated that the team would evaluate the implementation of the BESDA-AF project, identify challenges, and provide recommendations for further improvement. He also commended the state government for its commitment to the project.

Also speaking, Mr. Shinsaku Nomura, the World Bank team lead, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts in reforming the education sector and improving access to quality education across Oyo State.

The event was attended by key state officials, including Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Executive Chairmen of local government areas; and other top functionaries.